Capello Index sparks controversy

11 May 2010 07:53
England manager Fabio Capello has been criticised for his involvement in a new website that will rate England players at this summer's World Cup.

The Italian launched 'The Capello Index' on Monday, which will publish player ratings just two hours after England games in South Africa, saying it would be "good for fans".

- World Cup 2010 home
- World Cup 2010 fixtures

Next season's Premier League will also be covered by the site.

In an initial four-week trial of the Capello Index, limited to players from just Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham and Liverpool, Frank Lampard was rated at the best midfielder.

Ledley King and Michael Dawson and Sol Campbell were the best three defenders, ahead of England's first-choice pairing of John Terry and Rio Ferdinand.

Speaking ahead of the announcement of his 30-man provisional England squad for the World Cup, Capello said: "It is really important to know the players outside the pitch.

"I need to know the mentality of the group. It is really important to pick the players with the spirit of the group.

"You have to forget where you are from, which team you are from. You have to play for this shirt, for the spirit of the group. If you play you have to be happy. If you don't play you have to be happy.

"If you go to the stand you have to be happy. This is a really, really important thing."



- Football.co.uk staff

Source: DSG